Hey guys,

I’m taking out my automatic transmission to rebuild it. However, I cannot find any port in the torque converter to unbolt the flex plate… really would rather use the port than that cramped starter spot.

does anyone else have an 04 ranger 2.3L RWD that can help me out?

also can you confirm the automatic transmission on the 2004 ranger 2.4L 4x2 is the 5R44E, not 5R55E?

And lastly is there a way to get the shop manual with torque specs for my year and model? the closest I found on the forum was this but it’s for 2001 https://www.mazdabg.com/ftp-uploads/...y%20manual.pdf

I appreciate your help

 

Hey. I'm having the same issue but found a small plate with one bolt in it on the bottom passenger side of the transmission. Not sure if it is the correct plate and I'm having issues removing the bolt. Let me know if you see the same plate I am talking about. Also the 2.3L is 5R44E. The 55E is for the 4.0L motor.

 

Right above transmission lines.

 

Torque Convertor bolts have to come out from the starter hole on a 2.3 DOHC engine.

The small plate shown above is meant as a shim for bellhousing alignment, my 5 speed manual had the same piece on it.

 

Oh dang alright. Do you have any pointers on best way to get them out from starter hole? I have the fender liner removed but still can't see or get to much.

 

I own a manual, so I won't be of too much help. If I recall, the torque convertor has 4 studs on it, you remove the nuts that fasten to the studs, vs the traditional bolts you'd see typically.

Unfortunately you just have to get a good viewing angle on it to see what you're working with

 

I removed the driver inner fender completely and used a 9/16 deep socket to connect to the torque converter nuts. Then used a pry bar on the fly wheel to keep it from spinning. I had to use a pipe on the end of the ratchet to break it free. Was actually pretty easy once I figure out something that would work. Transmission is out now thankfully! Also I didn’t remove exhaust. Hope this helps!